The Raptors appear unlikely to tear down the foundation of their team before the trade deadline, Marc Stein writes in his latest Substack column. Sources tell Stein that Toronto is open to parting with Gary Trent Jr., who has an $18.56MM player option for next season and could be headed for free agency, but it would take a significant offer to pry away OG Anunoby or Pascal Siakam.
The player to watch might be Fred VanVleet, according to Stein. VanVleet reportedly received a four-year, $114MM extension offer before the start of the season, and he and the team decided to delay any further extension talks. Stein believes that if the Raptors keep VanVleet past the deadline, it’s an indication that they plan to commit to a longer deal.
Toronto has slipped into a tie for 11th in the East at 17-23 and could be headed for a spot in the lottery. A source indicated to Stein that the team might be content with taking a shot at Victor Wembanyama or another elite draft prize rather than trying to reconfigure its roster on the trade market.
There’s more from Stein with the deadline just one month away:
- The Mavericks are making Tim Hardaway Jr. available, and the Cavaliers can get him if they’re willing to take on his contract, which has two years remaining at a total of $34.1MM. Stein points out that Hardaway has been shooting much better since moving into the starting lineup, which would make him a valuable asset for a Cleveland team that’s in the race for the best record in the East. Caris LeVert‘s expiring $18.8MM contract is an easy way for the Cavs to match Hardaway’s current $19.6MM salary, Stein notes.
- After reporting on Saturday that Jordan Clarkson turned down an extension offer from the Jazz, Stein clarifies that he doesn’t expect the shooting guard to be traded. Stein explains that Clarkson is significantly underpaid at $13.3MM with a $14.3MM player option for 2023/24, and CBA rules limit what Utah can offer him before the current season ends. Stein hears that Clarkson wants an annual salary in the $18-20MM range, and the Jazz appear willing to give him that when they’re able to.
- The Pacers are in a much better position to work out an in-season extension with Myles Turner, since they can restructure his current-year salary up until a March 1 deadline, Stein adds. He says the team has discussed an extension with Turner’s representatives, but they haven’t been able to reach an agreement.
mavs sine up and coming shooters in Josh Green and Hardy. If I were dallas I much rather move hardway and bertans for love and Dylan W/or bad cavs contract- Rubio?
If I was Dallas, I want Mitchell and Allen.
I’d be suprised if Gary Trent Jr. doesn’t opt in. Just because I don’t see a team giving him 19 mil a year.
Opting in??? Maybe if he tears his ACL, he’s a lock to opt out, he’ll get 4/$80 easily.
Yeah he’s getting paid. So much money in the sport everybody gets what they want. Besides Schroeder.
From who??
Someone will pay him in a thin free agent market, even if not many teams have cap space. A shooter who can create his own shot and play some defense…a lot of teams will always be interested in that.
Trent has to be worth at least one of those LAL FRP
Toronto needs to do something different. Every year I keep wondering why there record isn’t better than it is. Then they’ll go on a winning streak just to lose again in the playoffs. Wonder if they would make a trade for Gobert? Doubt TWolves would give him up, at this point, but Toronto would have some nice pieces to give back.
Otherwise, Toronto either needs to trade for a star or get a new system. That usually means a new head coach. Then again, Phil Jackson relied on his assistant coach Winters to implement the Triangle Offense. Maybe they could try that? They need to do something. They are regressing every year.
The Raptors aren’t targeting a cap clog in Gobert. With everyone getting ready to get raises they’ll have their own cap issues which is a huge reason they need to ship out guys like Trent for FRPs and expiring contracts. The Raps should target a top 5 draft pick this year not Gobert.
To be fair… After the title there was Kawhi leaving for nothing, the bubble and then Tampa…
The only moves were lateral until they can get a true 2nd star to Pascal…
That’s what I would think they’d do. I just mentioned Gobert because they were one of the teams rumored to be interested,
As for top 5 pick, that’s only helpful if they want a immediate impact, drafted player. Otherwise, they should trade their older players. They need to closer match their young guys trajectory now better than later, since they’re so inconsistent, like a young team.
If the Raptors don’t move FVV and Trent I have no idea what they’d be doing.
Especially when you consider Nurse running him into the ground year after year, at this stage of his career we’ve likely seen the best of FVV. No sense in committing to him long-term within a build that isn’t quite working. And GTJ is a rental. I agree with keeping the other guys for one more year and doing some retooling until then
Hardaway ——
13.9 pts, 3.1 reb, 1.6 ast, in 28 mins.
LeVert ——
12.6 pts, 4.1 reb, 3.7 ast, in 31 mins.
Why exactly would you want Tim. LeVert still adjusting to Mitchell. Plus you can get more than Hardaway. For LeVert a 2way player.
A Hardaway/LeVert swap would benefit both players, both teams, and the playing style of both players. Almost a perfect one for one trade.
Would also love to see GTrent, Jr. go to the Lakers.
How exactly would it benefit both players? If LeVert is the better 2-way then why would the Cavs trade him for Hardaway?
Only reasons I could think of is personality clash or if they think they want a better outside shooter. Keep in mind percentages can improve or get worse on another roster.
Why do we keep putting Central News under the Celtics?